Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: David Robertson
The Mets are headed towards a potential fire sale at the deadline. The best case scenario for them is they only sell off a few pieces and retool. Regardless, the Mets should absolutely try trading David Robertson before the deadline.
The Numbers
Stats as of July 21, 2023: 4-2, 2.13 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 13 SV, 47 SO, 42 IP
Roberston has been one of the best relievers in baseball over his 15-year career. Whether he’s a closer or setup man, the 38-year-old remains a late-inning weapon. His strikeout rate has taken a small dip from previous years, sitting at 28.1%. Even this late in his career, Robertson doesn’t need overpowering stuff to get hitters out. His 42.9% groundball rate is around his career average, so he’s always finding ways to record outs.
Potential Destinations:
Having a deep bullpen comes in handy come playoff time. Just about every contending team could use extra arms, so let’s look at some possible destinations.
There seems to be a buzz around Yankee fans and Roberston. The right-hander began his career in the Bronx and helped them win the World Series in 2009. Roberston had a career 2.75 ERA in nine years for the Yankees, so a reunion wouldn’t harm him. There’s no logical reason for the Yankees to be buyers at the deadline, but you never know with Brian Cashman.
Staying in the AL East, the Rays could use the bullpen help. FanGraphs ranks the Rays bullpen 26th in the majors, so any type of bullpen depth will help. Robertson in the Rays’ pitching lab would also do wonders for Kevin Cash.
The Twins are in the middle of a heated race in the AL Central, and an experienced reliever would only make them stronger. Having a guy like Roberston in the setup role would be a perfect combo with Jhoan Durán in the closer role.
The Marlins bullpen ranks 13th in the majors, but it never hurts to make something stronger. They’re in a prime contention window and have lots of potential options to send to New York for Robertson.
The Verdict
I like the chances of the Rays or Twins going after Robertson. Both are in tight races in their division and could use that extra push from their bullpen. Relievers tend to go under the radar when it comes to the trade deadline, but I’d argue they’re one of the best assets when it comes to October baseball. If Robertson is traded, I expect him to head back to the AL and continue to be one of the best relievers of 2023.
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